by Carol Wilson, foreword by Richard Branson, with whom she worked.
Subject: Book Review
Category: Leadership & Management Development
By: Cynthia Kyriazis, Chief Experience Officer, The Culture Think Tank
There is no shortage of books on coaching, often penned by experienced coaches for their peers. However, in light of the numerous shifts and changes organizations have undergone in recent years, the demands on managers have multiplied.
This is particularly evident in how managers communicate with their teams while simultaneously striving to achieve the results they are tasked with. The impact of their actions on the organization’s culture is observable in our C5 solution.
As I continually engage with clients and colleagues, my concern grows around the challenges faced by middle managers. Many need to reevaluate their management approach, incorporating coaching and mentoring, often without the necessary training. Some still perceive this as being asked to play the role of ‘therapists’ without proper preparation.
Surprisingly, I seldom come across a book that aids leaders, especially managers, in understanding what is expected of them and, equally important, how to accomplish it. This book addresses those needs.
Initially, when I stumbled upon the book online, I dismissed it.
Having been a coach for over 30 years, I didn’t feel the immediate need to delve into another book on this subject. However, someone directed me to sections of the book that conveyed a different narrative than what the title and byline suggest.
It’s, in fact, a step-by-step approach that assists managers in learning and enhancing their skill sets:
First, by understanding the principles of coaching and mentoring and then by
Providing a detailed roadmap on how to embark on this journey.
The book comprises four chapters, and the titles provide a glimpse of the content to expect:
Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Performance Coaching
This chapter outlines what leaders need to know and may have never considered. It distinctly differentiates between terms such as coaching, therapy, counseling, mentoring, and consultancy. It also delves into self-limiting beliefs and neuroscience.
Chapter 2: Creating a Coaching Culture in Organizations
Culture—yes! Organizational culture is directly linked to leadership behaviors. This chapter addresses how to create a coaching culture in the workplace, touching on resiliency, supervision, and generating ROI.
Chapter 3: Skills for Coaches and Managers
This chapter details all the skills a good, and especially great, coach needs to know and refine. It answers questions, shares models, and provides approaches that leave nothing unsaid. It also includes information on two specific skills that many managers struggle with – providing effective feedback and setting and reviewing actions.
At The Culture Think Tank, a frequently requested STOP behavior is “Stop Micromanaging Us,” underscoring that micromanaging persists in organizations of all sizes—making this a must-read chapter.
Chapter 4: Tools of the Trade – Continuing Professional Development
This section includes pertinent studies, such as systemic feedback, situational leadership, appreciative inquiry, and mindfulness. Additionally, there is a list of tools, though not exhaustive, including assessment tools for individuals and teams.
Wrap Up
This book serves as a masterclass to help managers learn and understand how they can communicate more effectively with their teams through a step-by-step methodology. There’s a wealth of information, so breaking it down into learning ‘chunks’ is likely the best way to approach it.
Whatever you do, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy and see if it can guide you or your managers toward an improved communication approach and a stronger culture.
Find the book on Amazon or at your local library.
Cynthia Kyriazis is the Chief Experience Officer at The Culture Think Tank. Her experience includes executive coaching, consulting, and training.
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